Ending stigma surrounding addiction

Recovery Day was proclaimed in the City of Lloydminster on Sept. 30. Jessica Dempsey/Meridian Booster

The Second Annual Recovery Day was proclaimed in Lloydminster, as many came out to support those who have and continue to recover.

“Recovery Day is a national celebration,” said Sara Fox, Recovery Day committee member. “It’s to end the stigma that is around addiction and mental illness.”

Fox said one in five Canadians have a mental illness and or an addiction.

“That’s 20 per cent of everyone we know, and people aren’t getting the help they need. One in three people will die if their disease is untreated,” she said.

Other cities to held similar events throughout the month were Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer.

“September is Addiction Awareness Month across Canada. So, it seemed natural to have Recovery Day in the same month. Every city holds it on a different day, for us Sept. 30 worked well,” explained Fox.

The weather worked out beautifully, as the sun was out and temperatures were above average. There was a BBQ, a proclamation, and people who shared their stories.

“Through this event, people realize there is hope in recovery and there are people living extraordinary lives in recovery, and you don’t have to be defined by an addiction,” said Fox.

Holding this annual event, Fox said was very important.

“It gets the word out there. If we can end the stigma that surrounds addiction, then we can encourage more people to get out and get help,” she said, adding the stigma around addiction and recovery still has a lot of work ahead.

“I think in some circles it’s improving. Events like this are definitely helping, and in bigger centres, I think the stigma is decreasing. We are seeing an increase in people calling at the Thorpe Recovery Centre. Unfortunately, there is not enough funding to help everybody, but more people are reaching out, which is what we need,” she said.

Recovery Day was first celebrated in Vancouver and Victoria on Sept. 30, 2012, and since then has spread across Canada to small and large communities, including the Border City.

The communities to celebrate the public display of freedom from addiction do so throughout the month of September as the goal is to raise awareness, change the stigma, and celebrate the role of recovery.

“It’s something that is dear to my heart, and I think it should be dear to everybody in the community, because it impacts a lot of us,” said Fox.

Addiction can have a vast impact on a community, which is why a Recovery Day event is good to spread the awareness there is help, and it’s okay to ask for it.

“It’s a disease, but it also impacts the judicial system and the healthcare system. You might see increased crime, longer wait times in the emergency room, there are overdoses … it’s not an isolated disease where you can sweep it under the rug, but it rears its ugly head everywhere,” said Fox.

If people are struggling with addiction, Fox noted they could call their local community councillor, talk to a family member, doctor, or reach out to someone they feel comfortable talking to.

“Most services in Lloydminster will be able to direct you if you are perhaps not with the right group, they will make sure you get to the right place,” she said.

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